John Clayton reports for ESPN the Oakland Raiders will not place G Steve Wisniewski or LB William Thomas on the retirement list just yet. The team is holding out hope that both players might decide to play this season. The Raiders won't do anything until July when they need the money, but at this time it looks like neither player will be back in 2002.

While Oakland Raiders LB William Thomas said he was retiring following the 2001 season, the Contra Costa Times reports that may not be the case. According to Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen, Thomas plans to inform the Raiders of his final decision within the next month or so.

The Associated Press reports, in addition to the previously announced retirement of OL Steve Wisniewski, LB William Thomas also said he plans to retire. CB Eric Allen also suggested it might be his final year.

Jonathan Okanes reports for the Contra Costa Times Oakland Raiders OLB William Thomas came down with a tight hamstring during Thursday morning's workout and was held out of the afternoon session. He is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game. If Thomas is unable to play, Eric Barton would start in his place. Fellow OLB Elijah Alexander (knee) is "extremely questionable" for Sunday, coach Jon Gruden said.

Steve Corkran reports for the Contra Costa Times now only one spot is open in the Oakland Raiders starting lineup, who starts at WR opposite Tim Brown. The candidates are Jerry Rice, James Jett and Jerry Porter. OL Barry Sims said Monday coach Jon Gruden told him he had beat out Matt Stinchcomb for the starting spot at offensive left tackle. Also, LB Eric Barton said he was told LB William Thomas will retain his starting spot on the weak-side for the second straight season. Gruden was unavailable for comment Monday. Gruden said he will announce Wednesday who will start opposite Brown.

John Ryan reports for the San Jose Mercury News Oakland Raiders LB Eric Barton is doing all he can in training camp to gain a starting job with the team. "This is where you change coaches' minds," said Barton. Monday he came up with the biggest hit of training camp so far against RB Terry Kirby on the goal-line. Barton has tough competition for a starting job including last year's starter, William Thomas. "Barton's playing well right now," Coach Jon Gruden said.

The San Jose Mercury News reports Oakland Raiders LB William Thomas, who missed Saturday's practice due to a personal matter, returned to practice on Sunday. RB Zack Crockett, who was attending a family funeral, was expected to return Sunday night.

As an update to previous reports, SportsLine.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the five-year deal LB William Thomas signed with the Oakland Raiders is worth $7.7 million. He received a $550,000 signing bonus and will have base salaries of $550,000 (2001), $1.5 million (2002), $1.6 million (2003), $1.7 million (2004) and $1.8 million (2005).

The Oakland Tribune reports the Oakland Raiders remain hopeful of re-signing LB William Thomas and WR Andre Rison. In fact, their lockers remain intact at the team's facility. "I don't want to say I am optimistic nor am I not optimistic," Gruden said referring to Thomas. "We are still talking to him." S Marquez Pope switched to No.23 from No. 49. RB Charlie Garner showed off some nifty moves and quick acceleration on handoffs, prompting Gruden to note: "If today is any indication, he is going to really help our football team."

The Contra Costa Times reports Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden said negotiations are ongoing with free agent outside LB William Thomas. The team is preparing contingencies just in case Thomas does not re-sign. "We like the development of Eric Barton," Gruden said. "We think Bobby Brooks and Travian Smith are coming on, but we're going to continue to look at that position." Gruden also said there's a possibility the Raiders will select an outside linebacker during the second day of the NFL draft later today in hopes of filling the void.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Oakland Raiders have reportedly been in discussions with free agent LB William Thomas and WR Andre Rison about re-signing with the team. Agent David Dunn representing Thomas said, "We're advancing slowly but surely. William would love to return. He thinks the world of Jon Gruden and knows how close the Raiders are to a championship." He said the two sides will talk again next week. Agent Charles Tucker, who represents WR Andre Rison, said he and his client have talked with Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen. Seattle and Detroit reportedly have expressed interest in Rison, but he wants to return to Oakland.

Steve Corkran reports for the Contra Costa Times the Oakland Raiders have the luxury of not having to make their first round pick this year be an immediate starter. The success of the 2000 season resulted in the Raiders drafting 28th in the first round Saturday. The Raiders have lost one starter on offense so far, TE Rickey Dudley. On defense, DE Lance Johnstone, LB William Thomas and SS Marquez Pope are the only players not back in the mix. The team still wants to re-sign Thomas while Johnstone is gone to Minnesota. They are still undecided on re-signing Pope. If they can find a better option than Pope, he won't be re-signed. The Raiders biggest needs are at linebacker and safety.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Oakland Raiders senior executive Bruce Allen said the team was not caught off guard when RB Napoleon Kaufman announced his retirement earlier this week. "We have had conversations with Napoleon on and off about the possibility of his retiring," said Allen. While Allen admitted the Raiders have had some discussions with free agent RB Charlie Garner, Allen said they will not automatically sign him just because Kaufman won't be back. Allen did say they re-signed RB Terry Kirby as insurance in case Kaufman did retire. Allen did not rule out the possibility of something happening before next weekend's draft. Allen also said the team was having ongoing negotiations with LB William Thomas. He is the one free agent the team probably would most like to re-sign.

KFFL Staff writer Brandon LaCroix, citing Raiderfan Magazine, reports that in addition to the recent signing of free agent WR Reggie Barlow, Raiders' Senior Assistant Bruce Allen said on The Ticket 1050 that "Raider fans can expect a couple of key free agent signings within the next couple of days". The Raiders are in good cap shape and have freed up even more room under the cap recently with the release of FB Zack Crockett and the restructuring of Lincoln Kennedy's contract. LB William Thomas and WR Andre Rison, both of whom are free agents and were with the Raiders last season, remain potential targets.

According to The Sporting News, the Oakland Raiders would like to re-sign LB William Thomas. Even if they do, it appears the team will be looking to draft a linebacker in the first-round of this year's NFL Draft if one of value is available. The Raiders are reportedly interested in LBs Tommy Polley (Florida State) and Markus Steele (USC).

According to Steve Corkran of the Sporting News, the Oakland Radiers are awaiting the decision of OL Steve Wisniewski on his return for another season. He usually prefers to take a substantial amount of time after each season before deciding whether he wants to continue playing. OLT Barry Sims would be the most likely candidate to replace Wisniewski should he not return. That in turn would clear the way for Matt Stinchcomb to return to left tackle. Either way, the Raiders are set along the offensive line. The team has also put a high priority on re-signing OLB William Thomas.